Following an energising and well-attended Congress, there’s a real sense of purpose in the ASGBI community. The atmosphere in Edinburgh was one of unity, purpose, and progress - from the Training Village, poster and oral presentations, to the sessions lead by eminent faculty.
We expressed our thanks to those who are demitting after years of hard work - I would like to thank and acknowledge everything Ben Griffiths has done for the Association and recommend a coffee with the great man on the AIS Channel HERE.
Similarly, a number of Regional Representatives have demitted and I would like to recognise their hard work while welcoming new colleagues getting more involved in ASGBI.
Pay remains high on the agenda and many will have noted the DDRB recommendation last week and immediate calls for industrial action. ASGBI continues to advocate for fair working conditions and remuneration for surgeons in training, SAS colleagues and consultant surgeons.
Looking ahead the ASGBI EGS Symposium in Birmingham later this year is our next focus, and I would encourage you to book leave for November 12th – it will come round quickly.
Finally, the conversation around assisted dying continues to evolve. ASGBI reaffirms its role in promoting open, evidence-based discussion. We will continue to engage with our members, the public, and policy makers to ensure that surgical perspectives are represented in this ethically complex area.
The glow of Congress is not just a memory - it’s a launchpad. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Mr Jonathan Epstein
ASGBI President-Elect
